Autumn is such a lovely time of year to slow down, get cosy and enjoy a little creativity. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been dipping into all sorts of arts and crafts, from mindful colouring and sketchbook doodling to punch needle, pottery painting and iris folding.
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One thing I’ve particularly enjoyed is finding ways to be creative without needing lots of time or preparation. Sometimes it’s wonderful to settle into a bigger project, but other times just ten minutes with a colouring book or sketchbook is exactly what I need.
Here’s a little look at what’s been on my craft table this autumn.
Getting Hooked on Colouring Books and Ohuhu Alcohol Markers
I’ve used alcohol markers before, but I’d never really got into colouring books until recently. Now I’m completely hooked! The DK Super Cuties colouring books illustrated by Rosie Bay (sent by DK with no obligation to review) have been a particular favourite. Finding books that are your cup of tea makes such a difference, and cosy bookshops and autumnal illustrations are definitely mine.
Colouring has become such a lovely way to relax. There’s no need to think up an idea or plan a project. Just choose a picture, pick some colours and enjoy the process.
I’ve also been enjoying experimenting with my Ohuhu Honolulu S alcohol markers. They’re dual-ended, with a brush tip and soft chisel tip, and have a gorgeous range of colours.
The wider selection has made blending and layering much easier than with smaller sets I’ve owned. I particularly like that the ink doesn’t dry too quickly, giving me time to blend, while still drying fast enough to layer. Both my daughter and I have been reaching for the colouring books more often!
You can read more in my DK Super Cuties Colouring Books Review.
Making Time for Mindful Art with Art Oasis
I’m always on the lookout for online art events where you can explore different creative techniques through free workshops. This autumn I’ve been enjoying Art Oasis, particularly Ink and Intuition with Helen Wells and Secret Garden with Mike Lowery.
Both sessions encouraged me to explore drawing in different ways, and I especially enjoyed working with limited colour palettes. What I loved most was discovering techniques I could return to again and again, without needing to follow a lengthy tutorial every time.
I’ve paid for extended access to Workshop Week in the past, and I’m very tempted to do the same with Art Oasis. These sessions have been a lovely reminder to fit more creativity into my days, even if I only have a few minutes to spare.
Finally Enjoying Punch Needle!
I’ve tried punch needle before and, quite frankly, I was awful at it! It certainly wasn’t a craft I particularly enjoyed. However, I’ve discovered that sometimes it’s all about finding the right project. This colourful cactus punch needle kit (the Infunly punch needle kit was received free of charge for review – all opinions and experiences shared are my own) has completely changed my experience. I love the colours, and the larger sections have made such a difference to learning and practising the technique. I’m still no expert at punch needlework but I have truly enjoyed this project!
I’m almost finished, with just a couple of cacti left to complete. If you’re new to punch needle, my biggest tip would be to choose a kit with larger blocks of colour rather than lots of tiny details. It’s much easier to build confidence and enjoy the process.
Iris Folding – Creating Just for the Joy of It
Iris folding is an old favourite, and although I often create my own patterns, sometimes I just want to sit down and make something without having to design it first. This cactus iris folding card uses a kit from Pretty in Paper by B. I love Bethan’s designs, and this one was such a pleasure to make.
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about seeing those strips of paper gradually come together. If you fancy giving iris folding a try, you’ll find lots of inspiration and free templates in my iris folding pattern library.
A Little Pottery Painting Together
My daughter and I also managed to enjoy a pottery painting workshop. We’ve done pottery painting before and, although it’s not the cheapest creative activity, it is such a lovely way to spend time together.
My daughter painted this adorable mushroom mug, which looks so sweet before firing – we’ll have to wait and see how it looks! We’ve not managed to collect our pottery just yet as we’ve been feeling under the weather, but hopefully we’ll be able to share more soon.
What’s Next on My Craft Table?
One project I’m particularly looking forward to is decorating these beautifully smooth, flat stones with acrylic paint markers. Finding decent-sized, flat stones can be surprisingly tricky, so I was very pleased to discover these (Pebbles received free of charge for review – all opinions and experiences shared are my own).
I’ve enjoyed pebble painting and rock art before, and I can’t wait to experiment with some new designs. If you’d like some inspiration, have a look at my pebble painting and rock art guide.
I’ve also got those last few punch needle cacti to finish, and I’m hoping to keep making time for sketchbook doodling and colouring whenever I can.
One thing this autumn has reminded me is that creativity doesn’t need to be complicated or particularly time-consuming. Sometimes the smallest creative moments are the most enjoyable. I wonder what will find its way onto my craft table next!